Objective
The goal of this research proposal is to unravel the cellular and molecular mechanisms for the ability of the adult zebrafish brain to regenerate itself after a lesion, and to compare these mechanisms in the non-regenerating mammalian brain. The corresponding mechanisms, if reactivated, may rekindle regeneration also in mammalian brains. Specifically, we focus on identifying the endogeneous stem and progenitor cells that contribute to neural regeneration in zebrafish, by genetic lineage tracing experiments under conditions of regeneration. We have begun to identify the genes and mechanisms controlling regeneration ability in these cells by transcriptome analysis of specific cell types isolated by FACS sorting and transcriptome analysis, which has revealed a key positive role for inflammation as a trigger in regeneration. The resulting candidate genes are functionally tested in adult zebrafish brains for their requirement and sufficiency to elicit or contribute to brain regeneration. If confirmed, we will test for the function of such genes and mechanism in mammalian tissue culture models of regeneration, and determine in adult mouse brain in vivo whether they are candidates to be tested in mammalian brain regeneration. Functional knock-out, knock-in and viral expression tests of such genes and mechanisms in vivo in mice will determine their ability to rekindle regeneration in the lesioned mammalian brain.
This research proposal will provide fundamental insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the process of brain regeneration in vertebrates, and will thus suggest avenues for future progenitor cell-based therapies of the injured or diseased human brain.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2014-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
01069 DRESDEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.